3 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations Overview and Purpose The North Carolina Innovations Waiver is a means of funding services and supports for people with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities that are at risk for institutional care in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Mental Retardation (ICF-MR). NC Innovations is authorized by a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under Section 1915 (c) of the Social Security Act. This waiver, approved to be effective January 1, 2012 for five years, operates concurrently with a 1915 (b) Waiver, the North Carolina Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/ Substance Abuse Services Health Plan (NC MH/DD/SAS Health Plan). The NC MH/DD/SAS Health Plan functions as a Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) through which all mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities services are authorized for Medicaid enrollees. Local Management Entities (LMEs) are area authorities in the State of NC which are responsible for certain management and oversight activities with respect to publically funded DMH/DD/SAS services and are PIHPs for the waiver. CMS approves the services provided under NC Innovations, the number of individuals that may participate each year, and other aspects of the program. The waiver can be amended with the approval of CMS. CMS may exercise it s authority to terminate the waiver whenever it believes the waiver is not operated properly. The Division of Medical Assistance (DMA), the State Medicaid agency, operates the NC Innovations Wavier. DMA contracts with the PIHP to arrange for, manage the delivery of services, and perform other waiver operational functions under the concurrent 1915 (b) (c) waivers. DMA directly oversees the NC Innovations Wavier, approves all policies and procedures governing waiver operations and ensures that the NC Innovations Wavier assurances are met. Purpose and Goals of NC Innovations The NC Innovations Waiver is designed to provide an array of community based services and supports to promote choice, control and community membership. These services provide a community-based alternative to institutional care for persons who require an ICF-MR level of care and meet additional eligibility criteria for this waiver. The Goals of the NC Innovations Waiver are: (1) To value and support waiver participants to be fully functioning members of their community; (2) To promote Promising Practices that result in real life outcomes for participants; (3) To offer service options that will facilitate each participant s ability to live in homes of their choice, have employment or engage in a purposeful day of their choice and achieve their life goals; (4) To provide the opportunity for all participants to direct their services to the extent that they choose; (5) To provide educational opportunities and support to foster the development of stronger natural support networks and enable participants to be less reliant on formal support systems. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

4 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations Self-Direction NC Innovations will allow participants to play an essential role in deciding how to plan, obtain and sustain community-based services for themselves, and will help persons with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives. NC Innovations contains the framework for participants to self-direct services and supports, and offers the option for participants to choose to utilize provider agency services. Self-direction represents a divergence from the traditional provider agency approach to service provision in that many of the responsibilities assumed by provider agencies are transferred to the individual or family. In NC Innovations, the Self-Directed Service Option is known as Individual and Family Directed Supports, which is described in this manual. The essential elements that are applied to self-directed services are: Person centered planning - A process, directed by the participant, intended to identify the strengths, capacities, preferences, needs and desired outcomes of the participant. (See Chapter 4) Individual budgeting - The total dollar value of the services and supports, as specified in the Individual Support Plan, under the control and direction of the program participant. (See Chapter 8) Self-directed services and supports - A system of activities that assist the participant to develop, implement and manage the support services identified in his/her individual budget. (See Chapter 5) Quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) - The QA/QI model will build on the existing foundation, formally introduced under the CMS Quality Framework, of discovery, remediation and continuous improvement. (See Chapter 17) CMS Waiver Requirements CMS establishes the requirements for the administration of NC Innovations. The waiver: 1. Defines the target population and the related eligibility criteria; 2. Requests the waiving of certain Medicaid requirements; 3. Gives assurances regarding waiver operations, including comparing waiver costs to demonstrate cost effectiveness; 4. Lists the services to be provided, including the definitions of those services and provider qualifications; 5. Estimates the numbers of people to be served, service utilization, and the related costs; and 6. Gives other information about program administration. Target Population The waiver services are targeted to persons who meet the ICF-MR eligibility criteria defined in the Division of Medical Assistance Clinical Coverage Policy No: 8E. With the effective date of, January 1, 2012 new participants to the waiver must live with private families or in living arrangements with six or fewer persons unrelated to the proprietor. A new participant is a person who was not enrolled in the NC Innovations wavier as of January 1, Participants transitioning with their respective LME from CAP-MR/DD NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

5 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations to NC Innovations are not considered new participants for the purposes of waiver eligibility. Participants receiving NC Innovations services on the date they transition from CAP- MR/DD or CAP-I/DD with their LME to NC Innovations and who are living in residential facilities larger than six beds and who are later terminated from the waiver may re-enter the waiver and continue to live in a facility larger than six beds provided that the they return to the wavier within 12 months of the original move and that there is an available slot. Individuals transitioning from the CAP-I/DD waivers on the date of the PIHP initial participation in the NC Innovations waiver may participate in the NC Innovations waiver while living in facilities greater than six beds. Each individual in a facility greater than six beds will be assessed individually to determine if they can be transitioned to a smaller facility. When receiving Residential Supports, the PIHP will monitor the home and community character of each facility. Residential Supports is provided in licensed residential settings which demonstrate a home and community character. A home and community environment is characterized as an environment like a home, provides full access to typical facilities in a home such as a kitchen with cooking facilities, small dining areas, provides for privacy, visitors at times convenient to the individual and easy access to resources and activities in the community. Group homes are expected to be located in residential neighborhoods in the community. Meals are served family style and individuals access community activities, employment, schools or day programs. Each facility shall assure to each individual the right to live as normally as possible while receiving care and treatment. Home and Community Character will be monitored by each PIHP through on-going monitoring. Care Coordinators will monitor the Home and Community Character of the group home during Care Coordinator monitoring. Results of the monitoring will be reported to the PIHP and DMA. Providers found out of compliance will be given a time line in which to come into compliance. Care Coordinators continue to offer participants choice of smaller facilities. Community Guides assist participants in transitioning to homes of their own. Subject to funding availability and program requirements, a person with mental retardation (intellectual disability) or related developmental disability who meets the criteria in Appendix E may be considered for NC Innovations funding. Waived Medicaid Requirements The following requirements are waived in the NC Innovations Waiver: a. Statewideness: The Social Security Act requires Medicaid services to be provided on a statewide basis. This requirement is waived to limit NC Innovations Waiver participants to legal residents (for the purpose of Medicaid eligibility) of the PIHP Regions. b. Comparable Services: The Act requires a state to provide comparable services in amount, duration, and scope to all Medicaid recipients. This requirement is waived to allow NC Innovations Waiver Services to be offered only to individuals participating in the NC Innovations Waiver. c. Deeming of Income and Resources: Medicaid rules require that the income and resources of a spouse/parent be considered in determining Medicaid eligibility for a person who resides with a spouse/parent. This is "deeming" income and resources to the Medicaid recipient. The deeming requirement is waived to allow NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

6 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations Medicaid eligibility for NC Innovations Waiver participants to be considered similar to the methods used for people who are residing in ICF-MR group homes or the State Developmental Centers. Waiver Assurances A state must provide various assurances to CMS to obtain a Waiver. The North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance has provided assurances regarding the following: a. Health and Welfare of Recipients: Necessary safeguards are taken to protect the health and welfare of recipients. These safeguards include provider qualifications, criminal background checks, certification/licensure requirements, individual risk assessment, planning for emergency backup staffing and/or emergency response capability, incident reporting, and other requirements related to the health, safety, and well being of the participants. b. Financial Accountability: There is financial accountability for funds expended for NC Innovations services. The PIHP in conjunction with the Division of Medical Assistance will maintain and make available to the Department of Health and Human Services, the Comptroller General or other designees appropriate financial records documenting the cost of services provided under the Waiver. c. Evaluation of Need: There is an initial evaluation and annual reevaluations of the need for ICF-MR care. Written documentation of evaluations is maintained. d. Choice of Alternatives: When a participant is determined likely to require the level of care provided in an ICF-MR facility, the participant or the participant s legal representative will be informed of any feasible alternatives available under the waiver and given the choice of either institutional or NC Innovations services. e. Average Per Capita Expenditures: For any year, that the waiver is in effect, the average per capita expenditures under the waiver will not exceed 100 percent of the average per capita expenditures that would have been made under the Medicaid State plan for the level of care specified for this waiver had the waiver not been granted. f. Actual Total Expenditures: The actual total expenditures for home and community based waiver services and other Medicaid services and its claim for FFP in expenditures for the services provided to individuals under the waiver will not, in any year of the waiver period, exceed 100 percent of the amount that would have been incurred in the absence of the waiver by the States Medicaid program for these individuals in the institutional setting(s) specified in this waiver. g. Institutionalization Absent the Waiver: Absent the waiver, individuals served in the waiver would receive the appropriate type of Medicaid funded institutional care for the level of care specified in the waiver. h. Reporting: North Carolina will provide annual reports to CMS about the impact of the waiver on the type, amount, and cost of services provided under the State Plan and on the health and welfare of recipients. The information will be consistent with a data collection plan designed by CMS. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

7 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations i. Habilitation Services: The state assures that prevocational, educational or supported employment services, or a combination of these services, if provided as habilitation services under the wavier are: (1) Not otherwise available to the individual through a local education agency under the IDEA Act of 2004 or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and (2) Furnished as part of expanded habilitation services. Services and Provider Qualifications The services that are included in the NC Innovations Waiver are listed in Appendix C. The service definitions and provider qualifications for each service are listed in Chapter 13. Number of Participants The number of individuals who participate in the waiver each year depends on CMS approval and the availability of state funds approved by the North Carolina General Assembly. The number of individuals is an unduplicated count of individuals served during a Waiver year. The waiver year is January through the following December. The projection anticipates that individuals will leave the program and others will join the program during the year. A person is counted against the annual allotment once the individual is entered into the Medicaid eligibility system as a NC Innovations participant. The person continues to count as one participant if he or she leaves and re-enters the program during the same Waiver year. The NC Innovations Waiver reserves a portion of the participant capacity to transition individuals from CAP- I/DD (the 1915 (c) I/DD waiver that serves the remainder of the state), from Cardinal Innovations, Military Transfers, Money Follows the Person, Community Transition for institutionalized children aged 17 and younger and when aging out of the CAP C waiver. NC Innovations is approved to allow the following number of participants: Year One: 3552 Year Two: 3552 Year Three: 3552 Year Four: 3552 Year Five: 3552 Reserved Capacity Reserved Capacity for Military Transfers Year One: 9 Year Two: 9 Year Three: 9 Year Four: 9 Year Five: 9 Reserved Capacity for Money Follows the Person: Year One: 15 Year Two: 15 Year Three: 20 NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

8 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations Year Four: 20 Year Five: 20 Reserved Capacity for Community Transition for Institutionalized Children Aged 17 and younger Year One: 15 Year Two: 15 Year Three: 15 Year Four: 15 Year Five: 15 Reserved Capacity for CAP C Transitions and CAP-I/DD Transfers Year One: 80 Year Two: 80 Year Three: 80 Year Four: 80 Year Five: 80 Emergency Capacity Year One: 8 Year Two: 8 Year Three: 8 Year Four: 8 Year Five: 12 Waiver capacity is managed on a statewide basis. Administration The Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) manages the local operations of the waiver with oversight provided by the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA). DMA is a division within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). DMA will retain the responsibilities of approving all policies, rules and regulations concerning this waiver and will assure accountability and effective management of the waiver. DMA remits to the PIHP a monthly capitated payment for each individual enrolled in the NC Innovations Waiver. The PIHP will ensure that claims for services rendered are paid only for those services authorized in the Individual Support Plan. As services are delivered and providers file claims, the PIHP will reimburse them as agreed upon in their individual contract, within prompt pay requirements. The PIHP provides treatment planning case management* for NC Innovations participants under this program A case manager, referred to as a Care Coordinator, provides these services. The PIHP arranges for waiver services to be provided through contracted service providers. Individuals may also choose to self-direct services. The PIHP will provide information to the participant about: a. The person centered planning process NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

9 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations b. Individual choices, including freedom of choice of providers within the PIHP Network; c. The process for developing/changing the Individual Support Plan and the Individual Budget including the re-assessment schedule; d. Individual rights; and e. The Medicaid Appeals Process. * The PIHP may opt to contract out their assessment, treatment plan development and treatment plan monitoring. All other case management functions must be provided by the PIHP. Chapter 17 describes the NC Innovations Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, including the state procedures for monitoring and oversight of the NC Innovations Waiver. CMS monitors the waiver operation through annual reports submitted by the State and on-site reviews. DMA prepares and submits the required Federal reports and shares the reports with the Intradepartmental monitoring team, which includes DMH/DD/SAS. The annual reports include information on the number served, service utilization, costs and health/welfare issues. Coordination with Other Medicaid Services North Carolina Innovations operates concurrently with the North Carolina Mental Health/ Developmental Disabilities/ Substance Abuse Services Health plan (MH/DD/SAS Health Plan) See Chapter 2 for additional information about the operations of NC Innovations with the NC MH/DD/SAS Health Plan. The NC MH/DD/SAS Health Plan includes State Medicaid Plan services for behavioral health services as well as inpatient psychiatric and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR). Approval of the Innovations Individual Support Plan does NOT replace the prior approval requirements or other eligibility requirements for services in the State Medicaid Plan, which are outside of the NC MH/DD/SAS Health Plan, i.e. PT, OT and Speech. These services are not part of the NC Innovations Waiver or NC MH/DD/SAS Health Plan and are accessed through the regular State Medicaid Program. Waiver Funding and Prioritization for Funding: Waiver funding is made available to the number of people specified in the approved waiver. Additional people may only be served if the North Carolina General Assembly provides more funding, and CMS approves a request to serve additional people. The waiver also specifies funding that is set aside for military transfers, Money Follows the Person; Community Transition for Institutionalized Children, people with emergency needs and people who are transferring from the State Waiver, the Community Alternatives Program for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (CAP-I/DD) and individuals who are aging out of CAP-C. Setting aside funding with a waiver is referred to as Reserved Capacity. Individuals are prioritized for funding based on a first come first served basis. If funding is not available for needed NC Innovations Services at the time of enrollment and the individual is potentially eligible for the NC Innovations Waiver, the person is placed on the Registry of Unmet Needs until funding is available. People with emergency needs are offered emergency reserved capacity funding, if available. A person is considered to have emergency needs when: NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

10 1. Overview and Purpose North Carolina Innovations The individual is at significant, imminent risk of serious harm which is documented by a professional and meets one of more of the following criteria: The primary caregiver(s)/support system is/are not able to provide the level of support necessary to meet the person s exceptional behavioral and exceptional medical needs and documented risk issues. The issue(s) related to the child s disability has/have been determined by the County Department of Social Services to result in imminent risk of coming into the custody of the agency. The individual requires protection from confirmed abuse, neglect or exploitation as document by the Department of Social Services. A determination is made that the individual meets or does not meet the criteria for emergency Cardinal Innovations funding. If the individual does not meet the criteria for emergency reserved capacity funding (slot), the individual or the legally responsible person is notified of the decision with the grievance procedure. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

11 2. Innovations and the Cardinal Waiver North Carolina Innovations NC Innovations and the North Carolina Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services Health Plan North Carolina Innovations operates concurrently with the North Carolina Mental Health/ Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services Health Plan, a 1915 (b) waiver that provides for the delivery of all mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services, including Innovations Waiver services, to Medicaid beneficiaries in the service area. The PIHP functions as the single Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) for the concurrent waivers. Role and Responsibility as a Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) All Medicaid MH/DD/SA services, including NC Innovations services, are authorized by and provided through, the PIHP in accordance with the risk contract between the Division of Medical Assistance and the PIHP. The PIHP is paid a capitated per member, per month fee to conduct all utilization management/ prior management, prior approval activities, level of care determinations, provider network credentialing, and enrollment/provider reimbursement. As a prepaid inpatient health plan, The PIHP will be at financial risk for a discrete set of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse services, including both Medicaid State Plan services and services contained in the Innovations Waiver. Relationship between the MH/DD/SAS Health Plan and the NC Innovations Waiver Individuals who participate in the NC Innovations1915 (c) Waiver are additionally enrolled in the 1915 (b) MH/DD/SAS Health Plan. The PIHP receives a monthly capitation payment from the state Medicaid agency, DMA, for each participant that includes an amount for participation in the MH/DD/SAS Waiver and an amount for participation in the Innovations Waiver. The PIHP contracts with providers of Waiver Services and pays providers for the provision of those services from the monthly payment from DMA. Should individuals participating in the NC Innovations Waiver have a need for state plan mental health and/or substance abuse services or optional (b) (3) services, these needs will be met through services provided through the MH/DD/SAS Health Plan. Medical needs are met through the State Medicaid plan. Free Choice of Providers Participants will have free choice of providers within the PIHP network and may change providers as often as desired. If an individual s Medicaid changes to one of the counties within the PIHP and is already established with a provider who is not a member of the network, the PIHP makes every effort to expedite the entrance of the provider into the network. In this case, the provider would be required to meet the same qualifications as other providers in the network. In addition, if a participant needs a specialized Medicaid service that is not available through the network, The PIHP arranges for the service to be provided outside the network if a qualified provider is available. Finally, except in certain situations, participants are given the choice between at least two providers. Exceptions would involve institutional services or highly specialized services that are usually available through only one facility or agency in the geographic area. NC Innovation Manual 1/1/

13 4. Individual Support Planning North Carolina Innovations Assessment of Needs The assessment process determines the feasibility of NC Innovations participation and the need for continued participation. The assessment process considers the services and supports needed to enable the person to attain an optimal level of independence and self-sufficiency. It addresses the well-being of the person, including risks in the person s life that need to be addressed to ensure the person s health and safety in the community. The process determines the person's abilities; the help the person needs; the support available from and needed by informal caregivers; the help available from other sources; the person's living situation; and the individual's/responsible party's preferences in regard to care and the best strategy to meet the Life Goals of the person. The assessment process, reflecting a person-centered approach, is the basis for the Individual Support Plan (ISP, Person Centered Plan). Assessments include evaluations applicable to the person s situation that are required to determine the person s needs related to their mental retardation (intellectual disability) or related developmental disability, to live inclusively in their community with maximum independence. Assessments should focus on the person s strengths, abilities and positive steps used to enhance the person s ability to meet his or her Life Goals, or to help the person determine what Life Goals to pursue. Assessments should also show the barriers to a person s attainment of his/her Life Goals and be a foundation for determining how to address the barriers. Level of Care The initial Level of Care evaluation is required to determine that the person meets the ICF-MR eligibility criteria required to receive NC Innovations waiver services. This assessment is completed when the person initially enters the waiver or if there is any question regarding continued eligibility. This assessment documents a diagnosis of mental retardation (intellectual disability) or a condition closely related to mental retardation and measures the person s severity of disability. The assessment will be based on information gained from a psychological and an adaptive behavior assessment. Supports Intensity Scale To strengthen the Person Centered Planning Process, participants who receive NC Innovations Wavier services will receive an assessment process using the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS). This is a nationally recognized assessment that measures the level of supports required by people with disabilities to lead normal, independent, quality lives in their home community. It covers general, medical and behavioral areas, including home living, community living, lifelong learning, employment, health and safety, social activities, protection and advocacy, as well as medical and behavioral support needs. All of these supports are rated for frequency (how often support is needed), daily support time (how many hours of support is needed) and type of support (verbal, gesturing, physical assistance, etc.). Rather than determining what is wrong or deficient, as conventional assessments do, the SIS helps determine what kind, amount and intensity of supports are needed for someone to succeed in the important areas of his or her life. This assessment is completed at the time an individual enters the waiver and every 2 to 3 years, or as significant changes occur for the participant to assist the planning team to ensure that, the right amount and intensity of service/support are available for the participant. This information is required to support the need for additional services. Until the SIS is completed for a participant, the NC SNAP will be NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

14 4. Individual Support Planning North Carolina Innovations used to measure the participant s support needs. AAIDD trained assessors will administer the SIS. Once fully implemented, NC Innovations applicants and participants are required to participate in the Supports Intensity Scale. Risk/Support Needs Assessment During the information gathering phase of the Individual Support Plan, a Risk/Support Needs Assessment is completed by the participant s Care Coordinator. The Care Coordinator provides information about Risk/Support Needs Assessment and makes sure these risks/needs are addressed in the Individual Support Plan. Potential risks and safety considerations can include health, medical and/or behavioral areas of concern. Required Care Coordinator Monitoring Care Coordinator monitoring occurs monthly and includes the following: Participants that are new to the Waiver receive face to face visits for the first six months and then on a schedule agreed to by the planning team thereafter, no less than quarterly, to meet health and safety needs. Participants whose services are provided by guardians and relatives living in the home of the participant receive monthly face to face monitoring visits. Participants who live in residential programs receive face to face monitoring visits monthly Participants who choose the Individual/Family Directed Support option receive face to face monitoring visits monthly. For months that participants do not receive face to face monitoring, the Care Coordinator has telephone contact to ensure that there are no issues that need to be addressed. Medical Evaluation If the person has significant medical problems, the Care Coordinator will obtain additional medical information regarding the participant s medical condition or will arrange for additional medical evaluations. The Care Coordinator asks for additional medical information and/or makes sure that the ISP has strategies for obtaining additional medical evaluation information before submitting the ISP for approval by the PIHP. Other Evaluations/Assessments Recommendations from assessments are an important component of the development of the ISP. If during the development of the ISP other needed assessments are required they are obtained, or a plan for obtaining those must be included in the ISP. During the assessment process, the Care Coordinator works with the participant, family and the planning team to identify supports that the participant is already receiving, both formal and informal including private insurance. Assessments and evaluations are completed based on the participant s situation and needs. These may include educational, vocational, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, hearing, dietary and other applicable evaluations conducted by qualified individuals. Evaluations must reflect the participant s current situation. An evaluation is "current" when it describes the person s situation at the time it is included in NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

15 4. Individual Support Planning North Carolina Innovations the assessment package. If the conditions and/or functioning of the participant has changed since the assessment, the assessments are not current and new assessments are obtained. This is an on-going process coordinated by the Care Coordinator. Annual Review of Waiver Recipients The ISP annually reassesses the participant's need for Innovation waiver services by the completion of an Annual ISP. The Annual ISP is completed during the birth month of the person. See Chapter 10 for a description of the Annual ISP process. The Care Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the evaluations, planning teams, and other information required for plan development. This should be done in a timely and costeffective manner. The Risk/Support Needs assessment is completed during the development of the Annual ISP. The most current SIS is used. Until the SIS is phased in, the NC SNAP is used. Other assessments will be completed as clinically appropriate to ensure current/accurate assessment information. Until the Supports Intensity Scale is fully implemented, PIHP s will administer the NC SNAP. Documentation Each evaluation must be signed and dated by the individual completing the evaluation, and must include the credentials of the evaluator. A copy of each evaluation used in the assessment process is kept in the participant s record. Copies of evaluations used to support the clinical necessity for services will be included with the ISP when authorization is requested. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

17 4. Individual Support Planning North Carolina Innovations Individual Support Planning The Individual Support Plan (ISP) is developed through a person centered planning process and is led by the participant and/or legally responsible person for the participant to the extent they desire. Person-centered planning focuses on supporting participants to realize their own vision for their lives. It is a process of building effective and collaborative partnerships with participants, and working with them to create a road map for the ISP to reach the participant s goals. The planning process is directed by the participant and identifies strengths and capabilities, desires and support needs. A good person-centered plan is a rich meaningful tool for the participant receiving supports as well as for those who provide the supports. It generates actions positive steps that the participant can take towards realizing a better, more complete life. Good plans ensure that supports are delivered in a consistent, respectful manner and offer valuable insight into how to access the quality of services being provided. Transition for Individuals from the CAP-I/DD Waivers to NC Innovations As new PIHPs and counties are added, the transition will be seamless for individuals transitioning from the CAP-MR/DD Comprehensive and Supports waivers services to the extent that CAP waiver providers are enrolled in the new PIHP networks. To ensure a smooth transition: The waiver eligibility determination by the CAP-MR/DD program will be accepted in the NC Innovations waiver until the next annual re-evaluation of eligibility in the individual s birth month. The CAP-I/DD person centered plan will be accepted in the NC Innovations waiver until the next annual individual service plan (ISP) is developed in the individual s birth month. The participant s ISP will continue to be reviewed as needed due to changes in care needs and on an annual basis. If needed an ISP Update will be completed. CAP-I/DD Services will be cross walked to NC Innovations services and included in the updated Person Centered Plan; The NC Innovations waiver includes services that crosswalk to the CAPI/DD waiver. The amount of total of the services from the CAP-I/DD Waiver will serve as the prospective individual budget at the time of transition and be recorded as base or Add On Services Role of the Care Coordinator Care Coordinators who qualify as a Qualified Professional (QP) under North Carolina s credentialing system and who are competent in various models of Person Centered Planning, guide the planning process. The Care Coordinator is responsible for the preparation of the Individual Support Plan. The Provider Agency and Agency with Choice are responsible for the development/writing of the short-range goals and strategies to reach long range outcomes. Guidance for the ISP and planning process is located in The Individual Support Plan System Manual. Entities and/or individuals that have responsibility for service plan development may not provide other direct waiver services to the participant. Care Coordinators developing plans who are employees of the PIHP are employed in a separate unit from individuals authorizing the plan. The Care Coordinator may not exercise prior authorization authority over the Individual Support Plan. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

18 4. Individual Support Planning North Carolina Innovations Participant Authority and Composition of the Planning Team At the time the participant enters the waiver information on the NC Innovations Waiver will be given to the participant/family. This information is developed by the PIHP and will contain eligibility requirements, service definitions, individual budgeting information, and information about the planning process. The participant s Care Coordinator is available to answer any questions the participant/family may have regarding available services. The Care Coordinator works with the participant to develop the ISP. The Care Coordinator determines with the participant and/or legally responsible person the degree to which they desire to lead the planning team and to identify its membership. If there are sensitive topics that the participant does not want discussed in an open setting, the participant (or parents/legally responsible person) and the Care Coordinator agree as to how these will be handled and with whom they will be discussed. In addition to the participant, parents, legally responsible persons and Care Coordinator, additional planning team members may include: support providers (including the Community Guide), family, friends, acquaintances, and other community supporters. Individual Support Plan Process and Meeting The planning process begins with an assessment of the appropriateness of the participant s current services/placement in light of their needs and preferences. A variety of assessments are completed to support the planning process as described in Chapter 3. Prior to the Individual Support Planning Meeting, the Care Coordinator offers the participant/legally responsible person the opportunity to receive an orientation to the Individual and Family Directed Supports Option. Orientation materials are developed by each PIHP. The Care Coordinator also informs the participant/legally responsible person of the participant s Individual Budget amount and answers any questions regarding the Budget. The Care Coordinator assists the participant in scheduling the meeting and inviting team members to the meeting at a time and location that is desired by the participant. The participant and Care Coordinator review with the team all issues that were identified during the assessment processes. Information is organized in a way that allows the participant to work with the team and have open discussion regarding issues to begin action planning. The planning meeting also includes a discussion about monitoring the participant s services, supports, and health/safety issues. During the planning meeting decisions are made regarding team member responsibilities for service implementation and monitoring. While the Care Coordinator is responsible for overall monitoring of the ISP and the participant s situation, other team members, including the participant and family and other members of the community who support the participant, may be assigned monitoring responsibilities. Based on decisions made during the ISP planning meeting, the Care Coordinator documents the results of the planning meeting on the Individual Support Plan form. The ISP includes formal and informal services and supports that the participant wants and/or needs. The participant or legally responsible person participates in the documentation of the results of the meeting to the degree that they desire. The ISP also provides for supports and coordination for the participant to access school based services, generic community resources and Medicaid state plan services. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

19 4. Individual Support Planning North Carolina Innovations The Care Coordinator is responsible for the development of Long Range outcomes. Long-range outcomes are broad in nature, address life areas, relate to issues identified, and address needs gathered in the assessment process. Providers/Agencies With Choice are responsible for the development of the short-range outcomes identified in the individual s support plan. Short-range goals are steps taken to achieve the longrange outcome. Short-range goals are statements describing a proposed behavior, or what the individual will do. Short-range goals are based on wants/needs of the individual. Short-range goals should make sense to support the individual to live a successful life. Short-range goals are based on the individual s preference or need, not for staff convenience or preference. The Individual Support Plan Manual provides complete instructions for completion of each part of the ISP. A copy of the Individual Support Plan is located in Appendix G. Back-Up Staffing Plan A Back-Up Staffing Plan is included in the ISP and is designed to meet the needs of the participant to ensure that if the assigned staff person is unable to provide the service, another qualified person is available when the absence presents a health and safety risk to the participant. Each Planning Team designs an effective back-up staffing plan that is designed to meet the unique needs of the individual. Back-up Staff is needed when: The staff person quits unexpectedly There is need for the provider agency to release the staff person The staff person is sick The staff person is on vacation The Back-Up Staffing Plan is included in the Individual Support Plan and clearly identifies: What service the back-up staffing is intended to provide The back-up staffing individual or agency Who to call if there are unmet emergency staffing needs or the back-up staffing plans are not working. The type of back-up arrangements, for example provider agency staff or unpaid supports. Please note that the provider agency is responsible for providing backup staffing if the family chooses this as the back up plan. Failure to provide Back-Up Staffing is a level one incident and is documented on the PIHP Back-Up Staffing Incident Reporting Form. (See Chapter 17 for information about Incident Reporting, and Appendix S for the form.) The Care Coordinator will complete monitoring of Back-Up Staffing Plans implementation during their routine monitoring of services. Management of Risks Support needs and potential risks that are identified during the assessment process are addressed in the ISP. Strategies to mitigate risks reflect participant needs and include consideration of the participant preference. Strategies to mitigate risks may include the use of risk agreements/behavioral contracts. The ISP also states how risks will be monitored, including the paid providers, natural and community supports, participants, their families, and/or the Care Coordinator. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

20 4. Individual Support Planning North Carolina Innovations Approval of the Initial Individual Support Plan The completed Initial ISP, signed by the participant/legally responsible person, Care Coordinator, and QP is submitted to the PIHP for approval, no later than 60 days from the effective date of the Level of Care. (See Chapter 10 for a full description of this process.) All initial/annual plans, and plan updates require an authorized signature(s). The ISP approval process verifies that there is a proper match between the participant s needs and the services provided, provided health and welfare is maintained and all areas of waiver compliance maintained. Once the ISP is approved and services are authorized, the Care Coordinator notifies the participant/legally responsible person of the approval, the services that will be provided, and the start date of services. The participant/legally responsible person is given a copy of the approved ISP and Individual Budget, including Crisis Plan as applicable. Choosing a Provider of Services Information and support is available to assist participants to freely choose among network providers. The Care Coordinator provides information to participants about their rights, responsibilities, protections, and responsibilities, including the right to change providers. The Care Coordinator assists the participant/legally responsible person in choosing a qualified provider to implement each service in the ISP to the degree the participant/legally responsible person desires. The Care Coordinator meets with the participant/legally responsible person and provides them with a listing of each qualified provider within the PIHP provider network and encourages them to select providers that they would like to meet to obtain further information. The Care Coordinator provides any additional information that may be helpful in assisting them to choose a provider. Arranging provider interviews is facilitated by the Care Coordinator on behalf of the participant to the degree the participant/legally responsible person desires. Once the participant has selected a provider, their choice of provider is documented in the service record. The participant/legally responsible person may elect the Individual and Family Directed Supports Option instead of services provided by a provider agency. If selected, the Care Coordinator arranges for a Community Guide to train the participant in Individual and Family Directed Supports. All services and supports are provided in accordance with the participant s plan. Annual Plans and Updates/Changes to Plans Annual Plans are developed to be effective the first day of the month following the participant s birth month. The Care Coordinator works with the participant and the team to ensure that the ISP and subsequent Annual ISP s are updated with current and relevant information. Timely updates to the ISP help maintain the integrity of the plan by ensuring those changes are communicated and documented consistently. Chapter 10 contains information about updating the ISP. NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

21 5. Individual and Family Directed Supports Option North Carolina Innovations Waiver Individual and Family Directed Supports Option The NC Innovations Waiver gives people with disabilities clear choice about how they receive services. Participant Direction is a meaningful option for participants as well as their families. In the NC Innovations Waiver, Participant-Directed Services are called Individual and Family Directed Supports. Participants can direct some or all of the services that are paid through NC Innovations funding. This gives participants and families more control over the way their services are provided, including the authority to manage an individual budget and employ/manage workers who provide support. Appendix C lists services that may be self-directed in the NC Innovations Waiver. Principles of Self-Determination The Individual and Family Directed Supports Option is based on the principles of Self- Determination. Self-Determination empowers individuals to gain control over selecting the services or supports that meet their unique needs. It is a process that varies from person to person according to what each individual feels is necessary and desirable to create a satisfying and personally meaningful life. It is both person-centered and person-directed. The Principles of Self-Determination are: Freedom The ability of an individual, together with freely chosen family and friends, to plan a life with necessary supports rather than purchase or conform to a set program. Authority The ability of a person with a disability (with a social support network or circle if needed) to control a certain sum of money in order to purchase services. Autonomy The arranging of resources and personnel -- both formal and informal -- to assist an individual with a disability to live a life in the community rich in personal and community affiliations. Responsibility The recognition of a person s valued role in the community through competitive employment, organizational affiliations, spiritual development, and general caring of others in the community as well as accountability for spending public dollars in ways that are life-enhancing for persons with disabilities. Confirmation The recognition of the importance of the leadership of selfadvocates in the Self-Determination movement. (From the work of Nerney, T. and Shumway, D.) Advantages of Individual and Family Directed Supports Participant Directed Services have been successfully implemented in Home and Community Based Waivers in a number of states, including North Carolina. A number of advantages have been reported for participants including: Increased independence and self-sufficiency Increased choice, flexibility, and control of services Improved quality of services Increased opportunities for a more healthy and productive life with better personal outcomes Increased satisfaction with services NC Innovations Manual 1/1/

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